Sōseki Project

Botchan (坊ぼっちゃん) by Natsume Sōseki (夏目なつめ漱石そうせき) 1906

The most famous and widely read of Sōseki's works, this novel starts with anecdotes from Botchan's rash and reckless school days. The story then shifts into a hilarious account of his ill-fated first job, a teaching assignment far from Tokyo in "barbaric" small-town Shikoku.

← click on cover for Botchan contents page

Sanshirō (三四郎さんしろう) by Natsume Sōseki (夏目なつめ漱石そうせき) 1908

The charming story of Sanshirō, a young man who arrives from the country to study at the University of Tokyo. Passive by nature and just beginning to explore life's possibilities, Sanshirō cautiously samples the offerings of his new environment: the big city, elite academia, and captivating young ladies.

← click on cover for Sanshirō contents page

Kokoro (こゝろこころ) by Natsume Sōseki (夏目なつめ漱石そうせき) 1914

A young student forms a friendship with an enigmatic older man, whom he refers to as 'Sensei.' Over time, and finally through a long confessional letter, the younger man comes to know of Sensei's past and to understand the reasons behind his eccentric demeanor.

← click on cover for Kokoro contents page

I am a Cat (吾輩わがはいは猫ねこである) by Natsume Sōseki (夏目 なつめ漱石そうせき) 1905

A lost cat takes up residence in the home of a teacher, from where he offers a no-holds-barred commentary on his master, his master's household, the neighborhood, Japanese society, and human beings in general.

(notes: this lengthy work is less a novel and more a series of episodes - it can as well be read in pieces as straight through; Chapter 1 was initially written as stand-alone - there is some disconinuity between Chapter 1 and the following chapters)